Desert Etching

The sun below the western horizon writes "Peace"
     in a pattern of colors across the sky.
The land stretches away and away and is lost finally
     in the thin purple gloom of the horizon mists.
Quietness and coolness flow along the earth
     with the breeze that stirs from the hills.
A coyote cries quaveringly from afar off once,
     and then once again, as it takes up its night-prowl.
Darkness thickens slowly over the face of the land
     Like a great gray loneliness.